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Napoli targets Garnacho as Kvaratskhelia replacement amid Manchester United transfer list rumors

Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.
© Carl Recine/Getty ImagesAlejandro Garnacho of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

The winter transfer window is heating up, and Napoli finds itself at the center of speculation as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reportedly pushes for an exit. With several teams targeting the Georgian star, Napoli is preparing for life without him by eyeing Alejandro Garnacho as a potential replacement, whose future at Manchester United is still in the air.

Napoli head coach Antonio Conte confirmed Kvaratskhelia’s desire to leave in a recent press conference. “Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club, I spoke to Khvicha and he confirmed his plan to leave the club immediately,” Conte admitted. Paris Saint-Germain appears to be the frontrunner for the winger, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the French giants are in advanced talks and ready to significantly increase his salary.

Reports from Diario AS and Sportitalia indicate that Napoli sees Garnacho as an ideal replacement for Kvaratskhelia. His skill set, age, and potential fit the club’s philosophy, while his Argentine-Spanish heritage aligns with Napoli’s cultural identity.

Napoli is reportedly asking for around $80M for Kvaratskhelia, a figure PSG seems willing to pay. Losing their star player would be a significant blow to Napoli, as they currently lead Serie A with 47 points from 20 matches—two more matches of Inter Milan. However, reinvesting that fee in Garnacho could help the team maintain its title push.

Garnacho and his uncertain future at Manchester United

Alejandro Garnacho’s role at Manchester United has come under scrutiny since Ruben Amorim’s arrival. The young winger has struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and was notably excluded from the squad for the derby against Manchester City, raising concerns among fans.

According to The Guardian, Manchester United may consider selling academy graduates like Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and even Marcus Rashford to comply with Profitability & Sustainability Rules (PSR). These rules make homegrown players highly valuable from a financial perspective, as their sale represents 100% profit for the club.

While Amorim is reportedly hesitant to part with young talents, Napoli’s potential $80M windfall from Kvaratskhelia’s sale could tempt United executives to approve Garnacho’s transfer. With Napoli needing an immediate solution to replace their departing star, Garnacho represents a high-value target for the Italian side.

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